California prisoners ask U.N. to probe solitary confinement

Arguing that solitary confinement amounts to "torture," California prisoners and criminal-justice advocates are asking the United Nations to conduct an investigation into its use.

Various organizations are filing a petition with the United Nations asking for its help. They argue that putting prisoners in solitary detention violates international human rights rules and is harmful to their physical and mental health.

Prisoners' families and advocates plan to hold a news conference Tuesday morning at the Ronald Reagan State Building in downtown Los Angeles to announce the petition.

Among the organizations listed in the petition are California Prison Focus, Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law and American Friends Service Committee.

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-- Anna Gorman